Strict Directives and Travel Advisories for Sri Lanka After a Series of Bombings

Travelers should reconsider plans to Sri Lanka after 8 consecutive explosions occurred at various churches and hotels in the country.

Strict Directives and Travel Advisories for Sri Lanka After a Series of Bombings

The island nation Sri Lanka witnessed 6 nearly simultaneous explosions on April 21st, targeting three 5-star hotels and three churches mainly in the capital, Colombo, and the surrounding areas. Two more explosions occurred in the suburbs of Colombo later that day. The attacks resulted in 207 fatalities and 450 injuries, including citizens from the UK, India, Denmark, China, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

The Sri Lankan government has imposed a nationwide state of emergency effective immediately and until further notice. Below are guidelines for travelers currently in Sri Lanka or planning to visit the country.

Aviation

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier, assures that its flights are operating as usual, and all airline passengers are allowed to leave Bandaranaike International Airport during the curfew.

Passengers can arrive at the airport during curfew hours but must present their flight tickets and passports at checkpoints. Due to tightened security at the airport, passengers are required to be present 4 hours before the flight.

AirAsia confirms that arrivals and departures from Colombo International Airport are operating normally. The Malaysian-based airline will provide three options for passengers wishing to change their itinerary. First, a free change of departure time to another day on the same route, within 30 days of the schedule. Second, receive accumulated points based on the flight cost (for flights booked within 90 days of the schedule). The third option is a full refund of the ticket price.

Etihad Airways also advises customers to arrive early at Colombo Airport and emphasizes vigilance.

Emirates confirms that flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Sri Lanka continue to operate on a regular schedule. The airline also notes that passengers should arrive early for departures from Colombo.

Currently, security at Bandaranaike International Airport has been enhanced after a two-meter-long pipe bomb was found nearby and was disabled on April 22nd. Passengers should regularly check for updates before deciding to travel.

Luxury Accommodations

A series of explosions occurred at four 5-star hotels in the capital Colombo, including Cinnamon Grand, Shangri-La, Kingsbury Hotel, and a smaller hotel in Dehiwala.

A spokesperson for the Shangri-La hotel chain confirmed an explosion at 9:30 am on April 21st at their Table One café. The brand is collaborating with local authorities and emergency forces to assist all affected staff and customers.

The spokesperson for Cinnamon Hotels confirmed that tourists can continue staying at Cinnamon Grand, and all other activities have returned to normal.

Advisory

Several countries like the US, UK, Canada, UAE, India, etc., advise citizens to reconsider travel plans to Sri Lanka in the current dangerous situation.

Governments emphasize that citizens should stay away from affected areas after a series of explosions in Sri Lanka. Find a safe haven, stay updated on the state of emergency, comply with airport security measures and local government directives. Stay informed and exercise caution.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka has contacted local authorities and reported no affected Vietnamese citizens, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka maintains contact with local authorities to update information and take protective measures in case Vietnamese citizens are affected.

According to Bao Ngoc/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour